# A skin cell from a human contains 46 chromosomes. Explain what happens to the genetic material in this skin cell during mitosis, and describe the characteristics of the two daughter cells produced.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.2.2 Cell Replication · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The DNA / chromosomes are copied / replicated before division
2. The cell now contains two copies of each chromosome / 92 chromosomes in total before division
3. The chromosomes are separated / pulled to opposite ends / poles of the cell
4. The cell divides to produce two daughter cells
5. Each daughter cell contains 46 chromosomes / the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell AND is genetically identical to the parent cell

## Key terms

- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)
- [chromosome](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chromosome)
- [daughter cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/daughter-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-skin-cell-from-a-human-a14a37d5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.